CIS*2750 Lecture 3: List API and Libraries

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary advantage of using an iterator to traverse a linked data collection?

It provides direct access to elements using an index, similar to an array.

It allows traversal without needing to know the underlying implementation of the data collection. (correct)

It automatically sorts the elements of the data collection during traversal.

It reduces memory consumption by creating a copy of the data collection.

In the given C iterator example, what is the purpose of the `nextElement(&iter)` function?

To retrieve the next element in the list and advance the iterator. (correct)

To insert a new element at the current position of the iterator.

To delete the current element from the list.

To reset the iterator to the beginning of the list.

Why is it necessary to dynamically allocate memory for the strings in the C iterator example?

To optimize string comparison operations during iteration.

To ensure that the strings are stored in contiguous memory locations.

Because the `deleteFunc` will attempt to free the memory occupied by each node. (correct)

Because C requires all strings to be dynamically allocated.

Which of the following best describes the Application Programming Interface (API) of a library?

The external interface through which programmers can use the library's functionalities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does designing a library API primarily involve?

Creating a reusable collection of precompiled functions, data types, enums and constants. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a generic List ADT implemented in C, what is the primary reason for storing data as `void*`?

To allow the list to store data of any type without needing to be re-declared for each type. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When implementing a linked list in C to store generic data, what is the significance of including function pointers for freeing, comparing, and converting data to a string within the List structure?

It enables the list to handle data-type-specific operations without knowing the data type at compile time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are fixed-length arrays often unsuitable for dealing with optional data, leading to the use of data structures like linked lists?

Fixed-length arrays require pre-defined size which doesn't work for optional data. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides linked lists, which data structures also commonly utilize linked data records?

Trees and Hash Tables (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the `toString()` method analog in C when dealing with a generic list?

To convert the contents of a list into a human-readable representation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When designing a library, what is the primary consideration when determining the functionality of its components?

The intended purpose of each function, its arguments, return values, error handling, and clarity of its name. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of library design, what is the significance of the API?

It serves as the public interface through which end-users (programmers) interact with the library. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of library design relates most closely to information hiding?

Deciding which components of the library should be private and inaccessible to end-users. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is information hiding important in library design?

It prevents end-users from directly manipulating internal components, thus avoiding potential errors or corruption. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the programmer (end-user) when utilizing a well-designed library?

To use the library's functions through its public API to accomplish specific tasks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the List API and `StructListDemo.c`?

<code>StructListDemo.c</code> uses the List API as a library. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for a library designer to consider the 'end-user (programmer)'?

To ensure the library provides the functionality the programmer needs in an accessible and intuitive way. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Where are system-wide libraries typically stored on Linux systems?

/lib and /usr/lib (B) Signup and view all the answers

When a program using a static library is compiled, what happens to the library's content?

The library's content is copied into the executable and stored with it. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of dynamic libraries?

They allow executables to link to different versions of a library, provided the API remains consistent. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard naming convention for library files?

They begin with 'lib' and end with '.a' for static or '.so'/.dll' for dynamic libraries. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of using dynamic libraries over static libraries?

Dynamic libraries result in smaller executable sizes and allow for library updates without recompilation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A dynamic library file is named `libexample.so.2.5`. What does the `.2.5` indicate?

It represents version 2.5 of the <code>example</code> library. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of symbolic links in the context of libraries?

To create multiple names that point to the same library file. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does PIC stand for in the context of creating dynamic libraries with `gcc`?

Position-Independent Code (A) Signup and view all the answers

You encounter files named `libutils.so`, `libutils.so.1`, and `libutils.so.1.2.3`. Which file most likely contains the actual library code?

<code>libutils.so.1.2.3</code> (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the `-fpic` flag when compiling code for a shared library?

To enable Position Independent Code, allowing the library to be loaded at any memory address. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which `gcc` command is used to create a shared library from an object file?

<code>gcc -shared -o library.so object.o</code> (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the `-l` flag during the linking stage when creating an executable that uses a shared library?

It links the specified library to the executable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When creating an executable that uses a shared library, what is the purpose of the `-L` flag during the linking stage?

It specifies the directory where the linker should look for libraries. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to include the header file associated with a shared library when compiling a program that uses it?

To provide the compiler with the structure and function declarations of the library. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of steps when compiling a program `prog.c` that uses a shared library `librecord.so`?

Compile <code>prog.c</code> into an object file, then link <code>librecord.so</code> to create the executable. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Suppose you have a program `main.c` that uses functions from `libmath.so`. The header file `math.h` is located in `/opt/include`. What `gcc` compilation and linking command would you use?

<code>gcc main.c -o main -I/opt/include -lmath</code> (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary advantage of using dynamic (shared) libraries over static libraries?

Dynamic libraries are loaded into memory only when the program is executed, saving disk space and memory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Linked List

A data structure consisting of nodes, where each node points to the next.

Common List Operations

Basic functions for manipulating a list including create, insert, remove, retrieve, iterate, and clear.